Bulldog wrestling program kicks off with clinic

Coaches and wrestlers warm-up before the start of the youth wrestling clinic, which took place at the Jordan Youth Gym, Nov. 5.

Coaches and wrestlers warm-up before the start of the youth wrestling clinic, which took place at the Jordan Youth Gym, Nov. 5.

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Early Saturday morning at Jordan Youth Gym, approximately 25 children stormed the wrestling mats for a six-hour wrestling clinic. Teaching the would-be grapplers wrestling were several volunteer Soldiers and members of the Division Combatives Team.

"This is such a great program. I am so excited to see Fort Stewart adopt this sport," said 1st Sgt. Rob Nicholson, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Third Infantry Division, and the team leader for the Division Combatives Team.

During the clinic children learned various takedowns and techniques to control the mat, starting to build fundamental wrestling skills. The children may implement these skills at an event in the future.

"There are plans for our dog-faced pups to compete in wrestling tournaments and to possibly host a tournament here at Fort Stewart at a later time," said Staff Sgt. Justin Mauns, an infantry Soldier assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and the founder of the Fort Stewart Youth Bulldogs Wrestling program.

While this maybe a new program, it was built and started by a single Soldier.

"Mauns was, and is, the driving force behind this program," said Wendy Thompson, the Team Sports Director for Child and Youth School Services. "He built the program from the ground up."

Team wrestling practices start November 12 and run through February 28. The cost is $20 a month per child. A sports physical must be updated and remain current throughout the entire season. Child, Youth and School Services will furnish singlets, head-gear and a mouth piece. While tournament participation is encouraged, it is not mandatory. For more information or questions about the post wrestling program, contact Wend Thompson at 912-767-4371/9270.